Saturday, April 30, 2011

nOir

If you are on the hunt for unique cocktail rings, nOir, at www.nOirjewelry.com, could very well end your pursuit. These dynamic creatures are happy to both perch on your finger and make a statement:

So who is behind these clever and tasteful designs? nOir's founder and jewelry designer, Lee Catalan, who previously worked for Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta, said she feels fortunate to have a constant flow of ideas for her pieces, as well as a great team to carry her visions to a final product. This is especially true because she claims to be a terrible sketcher. 

Since it's inception in 1995, nOir's success not only stems from Catalan's creative concepts, but also from the quality of it's craftsmanship. 

"I really think our quality is unmatched in the costume jewelry world. We take pride in our quality and use only brass, not cheap metal. Our stones are of high clarity Cubic Zirconia, NOT rhinestones. We plate with 18k gold, and we are known for our pave (stone setting)," Catalan said. 

nOir's success includes collaborations with many iconic designers, such as Moschino and Patricia Field, and serves as a favorite go-to line for celebrities, such as Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Madonna. 

Catalan's fresh, fun themes with each new season also spur nOir's popularity. 

"Each season I have new inspirations- last season it was deco-Egyptian, and Tropicalia. This season has more of a Punk Modernist feel," Catalan said. 

Catalan said her themes are never based on fads or trends

"I think the combination of experience and taste level makes the jewelry timeless," Catalan said. 

The following are some Themes nOir offers for Spring 2011 (names of themes not official titles).: 

Black & White Tribal


Exota Half Moon Bead Earrings 

Sale!  $80
NOW  $56! 

Wonder Woman 

Highlight: 
Wonder Woman Americana Ring
$143


Gothum City   
Highlight: 
Gotham City Ring
$225
Finger claw


Disco Vixen 


Highlight: 
Horn Shaped Claw Necklace
$295




Find these pieces and more of nOir  at www.nOirjewelry.com. 

Monday, April 11, 2011





An artist's



preoccupation 



with the stylized 




female ...


The British talent, Dirk Bogare (1921-1999), was mostly known for his acting career, including a co-starring role in Judy Garland's last film,  I Could Go On Singing (1963). He also wrote and published a slew of memoirs, novels, and poetry collections.

It was as a student at Chelsea School of Art, however, that Bogare developed another gift up his sleeve, and that was literally sketching sleeves--sleeves worn by fashionable, illustrated women, along with their skirts, coats, accessories, and more.

The following are impressions posted on his official website, which were discovered in a green sketchbook, dating back to 1941. Women's fashion, with an undeniable dose of artistic styling credited soley to Bogare, took center stage on its pages:

www.dirkbogarde.co.uk/artist/sketchbooks/index.php
















From Bogare’s 

Poem “Santa 

Monica”:

...and we walk 

barefoot...and 

trousers rolled 

in gray Pacific 

sand...London shoes, past 

musseled rocks....and in my pocket, (Why just 

mine?) all our socks...

Shop Stop!: 

For less than $15, you can purchase 20 postcard featuring Bogarde prints and illustrations! Find these, and more on the artist at his website, DirkBogarde.co.uk. 

Monday, April 4, 2011

ABCs of Mannequin Art

As Forever 21 serves the cheap masses, it's possible that you take for granted, or don't even acknowledge, the gorgeous works of art displayed on their mannequins.  Personally, I tend to stop in my tracks in front of nearly every white bald figure. With admiration, I examine it's details, in search of insight for my own dressing. Last night at the Forever 21 at Union Square, here in New York City,  I took it a step further and snapped a few shots, to see what we can learn together. Or at least show you what you have been missing. 

Ms. Mannequin’s Lesson Plan:  
A. Mix stripes and floral. Pick any color from floral print and make it the color of  a stripe.
B. Add an additional stripe to the mix by using a varying color and stripe thickness.
C. Bring your look together with a color coordinating sock.


A. Sport a turban. For maximum  style, add a broach to it's center. (See Shop Stop below for to find your own)
B. Liven up a striped shirt with a polka dot collar. 
C. Feminize a collared stripe shirt duo with long layered necklaces and stacked bangals.  

A. Roll up some jean shorts for summer. 
B. Layer, layer layer: Different colors, prints and textures. Try leopard print in a bold shade, worn off-the-shoulder sweaters, and layers of long necklaces.
C. Opt for leg ware lace, especially when it peeks out of shorts. ((See Shop Stop below for  finding the perfect pair)




A. Wrap a scarf around your head. This look is very sophisticated  and reserved for ladies. Don't forget the sunglasses.
B. Pair soft chiffon in pink with a casual, loose gray tee.
C. Throw a long strand over a plain t-shirt-it's all you need to elevate your look
Shop Stop
Turban: www.Patricia Field.com $14 
Lace Shorts: www.Forever21.com $4.50